Your growing baby’s development in week 15

Help your growing baby develop in the fifteenth week of your pregnancy

Your growing baby’s skeletal system and muscles are growing stronger this week. Find out what other developments are taking place.

What’s happening this week?

Your developing baby is growing strong! This week, the skeletal systemi and muscles are developing. Meanwhile, hair has started to appear on his or her head and eyebrows. Fine, soft hair, called lanugo, will also start growing all over the body, which is now about 4 to 4.5 inches (9.3 to 10.3 centimeters) long from crown to rumpii, to protect the skin.

Your growing baby can now move his or her head, arms, and legs quite well, thanks to his or her rapidly developing brain which helps fine-tune those motor skills.

What can you expect?

Are you more forgetful and easily distracted these days? This symptom called “pregnancy brain” could be due to the combination of hormonal fluctuations and other pregnancy-related issues like stress and lack of sleep.iii

Take these measures to maintain mental clarity, and you will be in a better position to care for your developing baby, too:

Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect your state of mind.

Keep reminder notes. Writing out a list of errands can help you be more organized.

Do some gentle exercises or meditate to facilitate mental relaxation as you hit pause on your hectic day.

By now, you might already notice a small bump, as your little one becomes bigger and your womb grows to accommodate him or her.

It may also be time for larger shoes. During pregnancy, your wardrobe changes may have to include both clothes and footwear. That’s because your body is retaining extra fluid—even in your feet. Consider trying on some slip-on shoes in one size (or even two sizes) bigger than you normally wear.

What can you do to support your pregnancy?

Foods rich in iron – such as spinach – can help with preventing iron-deficiency anemia and therefore assist in combatting pregnancy-induced fatigueiv. Also remember not to over-exert yourself, and get plenty of rest.

A happy mom means a happy growing baby, as a mum’s disposition during pregnancy has been shownv to have an impact on the unborn child. Know that by ensuring you have a relaxed, happy, and stress-free pregnancy, you are also nurturing your growing baby’s holistic development – cognitive, emotional, and physical.

To get into high spirits, why not go on a holiday with your partner or take a trip with family and friends? Travel is likely to elude you for the first few months after developing baby is born so take this time to go on an easy adventure or a relaxing getaway. Remember to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider to ensure your and growing baby’s safety.

References :

i Fetal development: The 2nd trimester. (2015, January 15). Retrieved April 10, 2017, from